It is with very heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Bryan (Bruno) Calder on June 8, 2021. He passed away peacefully with his family by his side. Bryan was born on August 10, 1949, in his family’s home on Phair avenue, Fort Frances.
Dad talked about the great childhood he had. Growing up on Phair avenue with many cousins and friends allowed him to explore and have an adventure every day. Dad was very humble and would never talk about the many accomplishments he had. He played goal for the Muskie hockey team during his four years in high school. After his last hockey game, his jersey has since sat at the arena with his number retired, reminding us all of his talent as a goalie.
Dad married the love of his life, Giselle, and they enjoyed 50 years building memories and creating an incredible life for us. He lived for spending time outside. He found so much pleasure hunting with his crew, fishing with family, gardening at home, and taking us camping. We lived for the weekends and holidays. We would be waiting on the steps for Dad to get home from work, we were all packed up ready to leave for one of our many favourite camping adventures or getting in the van for a long road trip to visit family from coast to coast.
Dad worked at the paper mill for 40 years, starting there at a young age. After retirement, as a promise to relatives in England, Mom and Dad went to visit the many cousins who took turns coming to see us here in Canada. Dad was a phenomenal carpenter, but his most treasured work was building the summer paradise, Lumberjack Point, on Rainy Lake.
He was so proud of his four grandchildren. He felt very blessed to have all of them living here in Fort Frances and sharing many of the same interests. As they continued to grow, he was often found at the arena quietly cheering them on as they played his favourite sport, hockey. They all have fond memories fishing, hunting, building and frying fish, drummies and fries in either the garage or at the cabin with him. He was the anchor in our family and they will treasure the time they shared with their grandpa.
Bryan was predeceased by his parents Stan (Beaver) and Lil Calder; mother and father-in-law Lin and Jean Boileau; brothers-in-law Michael and Louis Boileau; and nephew Bradley Zucchiatti.
He will be greatly missed by his wife of 50 years, Giselle (Boileau); son Cory (Cheri) and their children Hunter and Jillian Calder; daughter Sharla (Ron) and their children, Lillie and Jake MacKinnon. We will all miss his guidance, wisdom and patience.
Bryan was the second oldest of five children; Stan (Vicki) Calder, Judy (Dennis) Deschamps, Janice (Steve) Miller, Troy (Jen) Calder. They will all mourn the loss of their brother.
Bryan embraced the Boileau family as an extension of his own; Tammy Boileau, Marjorie Boileau, Anne (Alan) Zucchiatti, Dorese (Roger) Harrison, Paul (Heather) Boileau, Michelle (Tom) Reid, Andrea (Jim) Avis. Numerous nieces and nephews will fondly remember and miss their uncle.
A private family service will be held at Northridge Funeral Home on June 15, 2021. Due to COVID regulations the service will be by invitation only. Donations can be made in Bryan’s memory to Fort Frances Community Chest or a charity of your choice.
“Rest in peace Dad, you defied the odds many times and fought a hard battle, you were loved and will be missed.”
Arrangements in care of Northridge Funeral Home, Emo, Ont.
